[Born at Troyes, in France, 1610. Died in Paris, 1695. Aged 85.]
Called “The Roman Mignard,” in contradistinction to his brother Nicolas,
also a painter, and styled “Mignard of Avignon.” The works of Pierre are
not remarkable for originality of invention or peculiar facility of
execution; but they exhibit correct design, beauty of form, and
excellence of colouring. The French regard him as the best colourist of
the age of Louis XIV. The “Grand Monarque” sat ten times to this
painter, who also painted the portraits of the Popes Urban VIII. and
Alexander VII. Mignard was first intended for the profession of
medicine, but his taste for drawing led him to the arts. He passed
twenty-two years in Italy, where he acquired fame. He was recalled to
France by his own sovereign, and by him also appointed chief painter to
the court.
[From a marble in the Louvre, by Antoine Coysevox.]